SOUTHWEST AREA : 16 to Be Honored for Community Work

Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-47th District) has announced 16 local recipients of the Community Architect Awards, an honor her office gives every three years to residents and organizations that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their community.

Among those from Baldwin Hills and Crenshaw who will be honored at a Jan. 23 reception are:

* James Burk, director of the William Grant Still Arts Center; * Gary Jones, director of Blackstreet U.S.A. Puppet Theater; * St. Elmo Village; * Chilton Alphonse, director of the Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation; * Institute for Black Parenting; * Lauren Schlau, chairwoman of Southwest Assn. of Neighbors; * Walter Dubuclet, longtime member of the Windsor Hills-based United Homeowners Assn.; * Lula Washington, founder of the Contemporary Dance Theater.

Moore started the awards in 1979. Committees representing community business people, residents and other groups vote for award recipients.

Schlau, a West Adams resident whose community coalition represents 2,500 to 3,000 residents and business people, said she was gratified to have her group’s networking efforts recognized. “We’ve noticed our accomplishments, but didn’t think anyone else did,” she said. “It was great to get this kind of thumbs-up.”